Eyes on the Street: McCoppin Transformation in Progress

Last summer, we wrote about a package of overdue streetscape improvements planned for the neighborhood around McCoppin Street, which would include a public gathering space called the McCoppin Hub adjacent to the Central Freeway.

Work on those projects is finally starting to make some profound changes to the neighborhood. Recently installed planted medians have had a noticeable traffic calming effect. Compare the above photo with the old McCoppin:

Around the corner, if you've traveled down Valencia Street lately, you may have also noticed some new palm trees planted in the parking lanes.

Work is also underway on the alleyways of Elgin Park, Stevenson, Jessie and Pearl Streets. According to a new timeline provided by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, the streetscape improvements should be completed in October, save some new lighting fixtures.

However, neighbors will have to wait at least another year for the completion of the McCoppin Hub (in the lot at the end of McCoppin) and a skatepark and dog park under the freeway, as construction contracts for those projects haven't gone out to bid yet.